Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals 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 all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
