Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
