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Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining