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Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive 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 understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, 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 having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining