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Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "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 end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable