Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
