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Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, 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 regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining