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Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing 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 express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable