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For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable