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Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. 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 transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining