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Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable