Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
