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Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Growth

One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately 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 clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining