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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up 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 result is an engaging and entertaining