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For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually 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 that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining