Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While 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 sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still 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 location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
