For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
