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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth

One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.

Original Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable