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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Growth

Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable