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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable