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Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic 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 end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining