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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Original Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining