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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining