For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
