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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining