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Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable