Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
