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Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also 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 is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining