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For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "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 films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable