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For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments 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 people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable