For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, 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 agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
