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For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful 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 whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining