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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable