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Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they 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 blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable