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Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining