Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
