Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation 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 apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
