For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
