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Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining