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Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine 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 film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved 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 end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining