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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining