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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable