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For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Character Growth

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.

Original Infection Source

This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition 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 reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining