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Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Character Growth

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable