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For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "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 movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining