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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining