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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up 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 enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable