Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic 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 end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
