For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
