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Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "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 movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable