For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
