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Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Development

One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses 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 since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable