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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Original Infection Source

This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining