For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
