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For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable