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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable