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For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes 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 you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining