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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable