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Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion 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. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining