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Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off 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 eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable