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For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable