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Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining