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Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining