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Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining