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Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning 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 pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable