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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable