Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, 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 familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
