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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining