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For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining