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Typically, 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, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining