For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
