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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable