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Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable