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Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people 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 often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable