🔗 Share this article

Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.

Original Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly 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 films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable