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Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Development

One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Infection Source

This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable