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Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining