Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
