🔗 Share this article

Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining