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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining