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For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Development

One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining