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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Character Growth

One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining