Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
