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For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining