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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable