Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
