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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Development

One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable