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Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Development

Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining