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For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, 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 entertaining