Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
