Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining 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 effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
