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Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining