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For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining