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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor 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 has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining