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For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable