For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
