For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop 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 since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, 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 familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
