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Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining