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For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable