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For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable