Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
