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Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable