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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about 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 cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—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 do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable