Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
