Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company 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 gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord 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 everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
