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Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, 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. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable