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For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable