Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
