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For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable