Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation 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 end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness 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 admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
