Generally speaking, 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 feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
