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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see 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 recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable