Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this 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 negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although 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 trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
