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For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives 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 gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining