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For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. 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 building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable