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For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining