Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
