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For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems 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 became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid 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 standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother 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 nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable