Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent 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 like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion 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 apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
