🔗 Share this article

Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict 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 so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining