Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
