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For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth

Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off 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.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable