🔗 Share this article

Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved 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! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable