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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally 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 nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable