For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, 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 amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
