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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable