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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable