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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive 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 familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable