Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
