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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly 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 frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining