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Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, 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 fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect 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, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "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. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable