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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining