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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining