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For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable