For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
