Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, 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 sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
