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Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, 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 apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining