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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet 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 turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining