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Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another 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 message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable