Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
