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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Growth

Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, 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 everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining