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Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals 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 forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining