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For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining