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Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable