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For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Growth

One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find 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, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "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. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining