For the most part, 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 seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
