For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
