For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, 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 all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
