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Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict 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 forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable