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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear 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 nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable