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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Growth

One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable