Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
