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Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable