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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "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 apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable