Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
