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For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was 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!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining