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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.

Original Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up 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 building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining