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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about 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 location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable