Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
