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For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable