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Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from 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 explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation 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 apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining