🔗 Share this article

Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining