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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining