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For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable