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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth

Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable