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For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth

Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable