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For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet 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, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining