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For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining