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Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining