For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation 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 frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
