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For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining