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Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Original Infection Source

This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object 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 once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining