Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters 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 real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
