Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. 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, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid 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 standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
