🔗 Share this article

Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Pacing and Character Growth

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining