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For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining