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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth

Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining