For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
