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For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage 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 predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable