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Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable