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Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining