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Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable