For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
