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Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable