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Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining