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Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining