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Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial 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. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, 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 all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable