For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
