Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine 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 family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about 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 decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
