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Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining