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For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining