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For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining