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Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "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 cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining