Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
