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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 seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable