🔗 Share this article

For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains 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 quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey 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, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable