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Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although 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 natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable