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Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining