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For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. 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, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable