🔗 Share this article

For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted 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. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining