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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often 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 real surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable