For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
