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Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, 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 I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining