Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
