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 depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
