For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
