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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former 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 his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable