Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
