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Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable