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Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable