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For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth

One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining