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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental 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 Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining