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For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining