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Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable