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For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.

Original Infection Source

The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable