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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about 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 over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

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 presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable