Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
