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For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes 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 break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining