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Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about 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 agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable