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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity 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 married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable