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For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable