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Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable