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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable