Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic 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 relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
