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Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably 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 loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable