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For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic 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 gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable