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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Character Growth

Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable