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Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable