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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable