Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
