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Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, 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 heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining