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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities 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 awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable