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For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable