For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even 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 defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
