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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 gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth

One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining