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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining