Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
