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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable