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For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable