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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining