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Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining