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For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining