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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.

Original Infection Source

The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming 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 forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable