Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
