🔗 Share this article

Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Character Growth

Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable