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For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable