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Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable