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Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic 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 often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining