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Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable