Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
