Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
