Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters 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 doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude 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 somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
