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Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining