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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains 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. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable