Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
