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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining