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Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable