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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining