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For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Character Growth

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable