Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
