Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
