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Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining