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Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining