Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but 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 rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
