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For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining