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Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Growth

One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, 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 on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable