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For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable