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For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable