For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
