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For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining