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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable