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Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining