For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals 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 relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
