🔗 Share this article

Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Growth

One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining