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For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable