Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
