🔗 Share this article

Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining