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For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "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 cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable