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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 proved 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 zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable