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Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "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 apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining