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Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted 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 Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often 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 consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.

Original Infection Source

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining