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For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable