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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Growth

One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. 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 created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead 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 caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable