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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable