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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation 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 notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable