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Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation 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. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining