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Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.

Original Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable