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Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable