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Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable