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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, 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 result proves a captivating and enjoyable