Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
