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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals 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 isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining