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Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable