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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining