For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
