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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable