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For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining