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For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining