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Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, 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 frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable