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Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.

Original Infection Source

This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable