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For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable