For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities 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 kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
