Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! 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's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
