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For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out 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 alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic 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 end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining