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Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable