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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding 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 lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable