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For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "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 films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable