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For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable