🔗 Share this article

Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Development

Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable