Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
