Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly 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 new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
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 forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
