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Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining