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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 feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming 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 forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining