Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie 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 contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
