Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
