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For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Original Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining