Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
