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For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, 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—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable