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Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.

Original Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic 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!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable