Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
