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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining