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Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus 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 eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining