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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining