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Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove 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 convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining