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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable