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Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable