🔗 Share this article

Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable