Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. 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, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them 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 surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
