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Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth

Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out 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 occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining