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Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from 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 focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining