Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
