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Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 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 remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining