Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
