Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
