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For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Character Growth

One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining