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Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth

Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab 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.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable