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Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable