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For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth

One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable