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Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable