Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
