Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. 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 quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
