Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
