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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining