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Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining