For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop 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 I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
