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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

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 that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable