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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable