Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine 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 family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
