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For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. 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 entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable