For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
