🔗 Share this article

Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable