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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining