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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Development

One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining