🔗 Share this article

Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

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 source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining