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Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly 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 push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining