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For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining