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Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable