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For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining