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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable