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Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining