For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more 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. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
