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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable