Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely 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 turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
