Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. 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 initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
