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Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining