Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
