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For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet 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, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, 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 via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining