Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
