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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 proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them 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 real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining