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Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable