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For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining