Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming 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 forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
