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Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining