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For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable