Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
