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Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, 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 over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits 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 is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining