🔗 Share this article

For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Character Growth

One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining