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Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining