Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
