For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "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 loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
