For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
