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Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining