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For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents 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, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable 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 the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, 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