Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall 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 that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
