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Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. 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 before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining