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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic 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 frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable