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Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear 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 close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. 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 immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable