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For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Character Growth

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. 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 result is an engaging and enjoyable