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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining