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For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Growth

One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal 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 is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable