Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is 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 wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
