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Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining