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Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Growth

One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining