Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
