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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently 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 aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining