Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
