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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about 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 decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining