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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Character Development

One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable