Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
