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Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining