For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business 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 with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
