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Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable