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Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable