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For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable