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For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only 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 real surprise when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable