🔗 Share this article

Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet 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, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable