Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
