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Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in 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. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people 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 I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable