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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only 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 when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. 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 for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable