For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still 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 to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not 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 familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
