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For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable