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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. 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 freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining