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Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "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 relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining