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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable