For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
