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Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of 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. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable