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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining