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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. 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. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source 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 devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable