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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable