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For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining