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Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable