Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
