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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Character Growth

Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable