Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
