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For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust 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 enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts 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 society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining