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Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex 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 kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just 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, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable