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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Development

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable