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 gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household 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 former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion 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 apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. 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 instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
