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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable