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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable