Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware 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 because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
