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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde 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 family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable