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Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 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 defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining