Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
