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For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable