🔗 Share this article

For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

The film also offers a fairly interesting 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 of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable