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Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable