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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull 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 abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable