For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic 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 movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally 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 nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
