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Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab 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 as death nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining