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For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, 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 who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining