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Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Growth

One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining