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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining