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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining