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, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
