🔗 Share this article

Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Growth

One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense 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 authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining