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Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable