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Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment 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 a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining