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Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining