Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
