For the most part, 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 seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
