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For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Growth

One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters 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, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable