🔗 Share this article

For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining