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Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed 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 decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining