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Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining