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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable