For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments 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 relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
