🔗 Share this article

For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Development

One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Zombification Source

The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable