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Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, 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 via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable