For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
