For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves 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 I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
