Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. 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 subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
