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Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining