Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
