For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
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 by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "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 movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
