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Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Growth

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable