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For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining