For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
