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Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining