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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable