Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
