Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning 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 forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
