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For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, 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 enjoyable