🔗 Share this article

Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining