For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when 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 flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
