Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
