Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
