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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable