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For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining