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Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth

One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable