For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
