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Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining