Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
