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For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. 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, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining