Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
