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For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "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 apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining