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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining