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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Character Growth

One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup 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 building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable