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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Original Infection Source

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent 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 on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. 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 for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable