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Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often 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 consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.

Original Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable