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For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining