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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining