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For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining