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For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining