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Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. 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 physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable