Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
