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For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining