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Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Growth

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining