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For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining