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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of 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 insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable