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For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable