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For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable