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For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted 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 defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable