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For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable