Generally speaking, 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 mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
