Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
