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Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Growth

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable