Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games 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 herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they 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 is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
