Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main 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 uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
