For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
