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Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Character Growth

Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining