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Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation 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 often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable